One Story at a Time

Shunputei Ichinosuke, Rakugo Storyteller The traditional art of rakugo storytelling is currently experiencing a boom in Japan. It's been fueled by a popular storyteller named Shunputei Ichinosuke, who works 350 days a year, performing about 900 times. While preserving traditional rakugo, Ichinosuke adds his own verbal touches, including modern-day gags. His work undergoes a constant process of evolution as he reworks his material each time he appears before an audience. Ichinosuke is a brash and bold storyteller who delights his audiences, but his true personality is the exact opposite. Afraid above all that audiences won't like him, he keeps to himself backstage and, grumbling, battles uncertainty and insecurity. No matter how busy his schedule, he always finds time to practice, even if only while walking between gigs. Despite his somewhat difficult personality, he is sincerely dedicated to rakugo and avid in his desire to deepen his art.